Kadenwood Gondola opens today, Dec. 23

Whistler's newest gondola will roll over the cables for the first time today, transporting residents between the base of Creekside and Kadenwood, Whistler's new luxury neighbourhood.

The Doppelmayr-built gondola can carry up to eight people with skis and snowboards in winter and baby strollers and bikes in summer. The six-minute ride up the forested hills above Creekside covers 228 metres and is expected to be a popular transportation loop connecting users with local amenities.

"The convenience and proximity this private gondola affords Kadenwood residents tops off the ultimate enclave in North America's top rated ski resort," said Keith McIvor, vice-president of sales for EcOasis Properties Limited.

At completion, Kadenwood will consist of 60 homes. Two-thirds of those have already been sold. Properties are listed for $1 million- $3 million, 16 of which have been built to date.

The project was developed by Intrawest and sold to Ecoasis Properties Ltd. in late September.

The gondola will open under the blessing of a local Catholic priest at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 23 at Creekside.